JP2018511365A - Machine for preparing beverages with reproducible characteristics - Google Patents

Abstract

A machine for preparing espresso coffee or the like is disclosed, the machine comprising a first device for measuring the mass of an amount of ground coffee used to prepare espresso coffee, and the extracted espresso coffee A second device for measuring mass, and a processing device (CPU) for calculating a concentration corresponding to a ratio of the mass of ground coffee to the mass of the extracted espresso coffee. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to the field of beverage preparation machines. More particularly, the present invention relates to a machine that can dispense espresso coffee having the same characteristics, generally the desired concentration.

  Many beverage preparation machines are known. In particular, many machines for preparing espresso coffee from coffee powder, coffee pods, coffee capsules and the like are known.

  In general, in a coffee brewing machine, water is passed through a pack of ground coffee at a predetermined pressure and a predetermined temperature. In some known machines, the temperature and / or pressure of the water passing through the coffee pack can be precisely adjusted. In some known machines, the temperature and / or pressure of the water can be changed during dispensing. All of the above-mentioned functions have been adopted by some coffee machine manufacturers to enhance the quality of the beverage and are trying to best extract the constituent substances and essences from the ground coffee. The functions described above are also utilized with other functions to compensate for different coffee blends, different processing, different grain sizes, different degrees of compaction and different humidity of ground coffee, for example.

  In some cases, coffee machine manufacturers are also trying to find a solution that results in the preparation of coffee having the same characteristics. For example, Patent Document 1 (European Patent Application Publication No. 2,701,563) discloses a weighing device for an espresso coffee machine. The device comprises a weighing platform that can be placed in the drip area below the dispensing unit of the machine, a control unit connected to the weighing platform, a start / stop button, a timer unit, and a display, all of which are It is connected to the control unit, and in use, it is configured so that the weight of a cup of coffee is measured on the weighing platform and the time required for dispensing is measured by the timer unit and the result is displayed on the display. Yes.

  The solution according to US Pat. No. 6,057,056 is very effective and can obtain a dose of espresso coffee with a mass (less than the tolerance of the measuring instrument) that matches the set mass. Thus, by setting a specific desired mass, the machine prepares a specific dose of espresso coffee and stops when the desired mass is reached. The mass of espresso coffee is immediately measured at the bottom of the dispensing unit.

  In order to ensure the reproducibility of the beverage characteristics, it is known that the reproducibility of the flow rate, which is understood as the ratio between the mass of the beverage to be dispensed and the time required to dispense the beverage, is required.

European Patent Application Publication No. 2,701,563

  Applicants believe that controlling the mass of espresso coffee dispensed is important and can provide multiple cups of coffee containing a certain amount of espresso coffee, but that the beverage has the same characteristics over time. I realized that it was not enough to guarantee. In practice, it can happen that for the same mass, for example, depending on the degree of grinding of the coffee, very strong or less intense beverages are obtained.

  The Applicant has realized that the characteristic characterizing espresso coffee is the beverage concentration.

  A predetermined object of the present application is to provide a machine capable of pouring espresso coffee having a desired concentration that an operator may set as needed. By controlling the concentration of espresso coffee dispensed, this machine can prepare espresso coffee having the characteristics desired by consumers over a long period of time with high reproducibility.

  For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, the “brew ratio” (ie, concentration or concentration of beverage) is defined as the mass of ground coffee used and the mass of the final beverage dispensed. It should be understood to mean a ratio.

  For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, two beverages have the same or less than about 10%, preferably less than about 5%, more preferably about 2-3%, as described above, It should be understood that the extraction ratio is the same.

  According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a first device for measuring the mass of an amount of ground coffee used to prepare espresso coffee and a second for measuring the mass of extracted espresso coffee. And a processing device for calculating an extraction ratio corresponding to a ratio of the mass of the ground coffee and the mass of the extracted espresso coffee. The machine may further comprise a device for notifying an operator of the calculated extraction ratio.

  Preferably, the second device operates substantially continuously during espresso coffee dispensing.

  Preferably, the machine further comprises a memory for storing one or more extraction ratio values.

  The machine may comprise a device for selecting one or more memory extraction ratio values.

  The machine further includes a comparison device for comparing a current extraction ratio value with a stored extraction ratio value, and when the comparison device detects a match between the current extraction ratio value and a desired extraction ratio value, And a stop device for stopping the dispensing.

  The first weighing device may include a weighing device including a load cell.

  The second weighing device may include a weighing device including a load cell.

  In one embodiment, the first device and the second device are a single device.

  In one embodiment, the first device for measuring the mass of a quantity of ground coffee used comprises a code reader.

  According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing and dispensing a beverage, the method comprising: preparing an amount of ground coffee grounds; measuring the mass of said coffee grounds; Selecting an extraction ratio value to initiate extraction of espresso coffee and measuring the mass of the beverage while the beverage is being extracted and calculating a current extraction ratio. The method may comprise the steps of signaling the arrival of a predetermined extraction ratio and / or submitting a beverage extraction upon reaching the predetermined extraction ratio.

  The step of measuring the mass of coffee powder may comprise the step of identifying the filter and filter holder assembly and its corresponding mass and then measuring the mass of the filter, the filter holder and the assembly comprising the coffee powder packed in the filter. Good.

  The invention will become more apparent from the following description given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is the schematic which shows the espresso coffee machine by one Embodiment of this invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an advantageous mechanism that may be employed in the machine of Figure 1; It is the schematic of an example of an extraction ratio. 3 is a flowchart schematically illustrating the operation of a machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart regarding calculation of the mass of coffee powder. It is a flowchart regarding calculation of the mass of the extracted drink. It is a flowchart regarding the operation | movement based on a setting extraction ratio. It is a figure which shows the connection between components.

  The following description is given solely for convenience, particularly with respect to espresso coffee machines, but the present invention is not limited to these machines and is generally applicable to machines that dispense other beverages prepared by brewing.

  Since some components of the machine are substantially irrelevant for the purposes of the present invention, the machine will not be described in detail. In very general terms, a machine to which the present invention is applicable comprises a pump for dispensing water from a water source (generally tap water) under pressure and a system for heating the water to an appropriate temperature. As noted above, some known machines currently include devices that adjust parameters such as water temperature and / or pressure, possibly even during beverage extraction. All this ensures that the beverage is best extracted from the ground coffee.

  In general, ground coffee for preparing espresso coffee is placed in a generally cup-shaped container suitably provided with holes of a predetermined shape and size in the bottom wall. This container is called a “filter”. Filters filled with ground coffee (manually or mechanically) are inserted into dedicated cavities in the filter holder, which typically have one or two spouts, a diffusor in the brewing unit (eg bios). A releasably coupled lever is provided (by net coupling). In general, the coupling is performed by rotating the filter holder in one direction. Separation after the coffee is poured out is performed by rotating the filter holder in the opposite direction.

  Each machine is usually provided with 1 to 3 dispensing units. There is a surface that supports the cup at the bottom of the dispensing unit. This support surface is usually provided with a flat grill, at the bottom of which is placed a tray for collecting coffee and / or washing water for the dispensing unit that does not collect in the cup but drips from the filter holder.

  Each machine is usually provided with a push button for performing switch-on and / or dispensing, and optionally a device for displaying dispensing parameters (eg, pressure and / or temperature).

  By way of example only, the machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes two dispensing units 20. However, the present invention is applicable to machines with a single dispensing unit or more than two dispensing units.

  The machine 10 according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises means for calculating the extraction ratio between the mass of ground coffee used to extract espresso coffee and the mass of espresso coffee actually extracted. As is well known, consumers require different amounts and / or different dilutions of espresso coffee depending on their habits, personal preferences, and / or local customs. Thus, consumers may request wristlet (short) coffee, normal coffee, long coffee, cafe creme or “drip coffee” (filtered coffee). Consumers may also request espresso coffee such as single, double and triple.

  Table 1 shows, by way of example, some characteristics of several types of espresso coffee that are commonly served in bars, coffee shops and the like.

* Amount of espresso coffee obtained from coffee beans (knot fresh), filter holder with spout; 100% arabic mix; lever operating machine.
** Amount of espresso coffee obtained from fresh coffee beans, open filter holder; “strong” mixture, pump at about 9 bar pressure.
l = low; m = medium; h = high; s = small, lar. = Large (typical); typ. = Typical (general)

  Referring to the values shown in Table 1, the average mass of an amount of coffee powder used to prepare normal single espresso coffee is about 7 g (the mass of coffee powder varies between 6 g and 8 g. ). Served single normal espresso coffee has an average mass of about 14 g (its mass varies between a minimum of 10 g and a maximum of 20 g). The relative extraction ratio of the mass of coffee powder and single normal espresso coffee is generally 50% (varies between about 40% and 60%).

As shown in Table 1, in general, the extraction ratio is
• About 100% for wristlet (short) espresso coffee (varies between about 60% and about 140%)
-About 50% of normal espresso coffee (varies between about 40% and about 60%)
-About 33% for long espresso coffee (varies between about 27% and 40%)
-About 14% for cafe claims (varies between about 12% and about 16%)
-About 5.5% for drip coffee (varies between 5% and 6%)

  The means for calculating the extraction ratio includes a first weighing device 40 for measuring the mass of ground coffee, a second weighing device 50 for measuring the mass of extracted espresso coffee, and at least a mass of ground coffee. A processing unit (CPU) configured to receive the measured value and the measured mass value of the extracted espresso coffee and obtain the extraction ratio from the two measured mass values.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing the espresso coffee preparation method according to the present invention.

  The first step (100) is to prepare an amount of ground coffee grounds (or other substance depending on the beverage to be obtained). The mass of the coffee powder is measured (step 110). Next (step 120), the desired extraction ratio is selected and extraction of espresso coffee (or other beverage) is started. While the beverage is being prepared, the mass of the beverage is measured (step 130) and the current extraction ratio is calculated (step 140). The arrival of a predetermined extraction ratio is notified (step 150). When the predetermined extraction ratio is reached, the beverage preparation is stopped (manually or automatically) (step 160).

  As already briefly mentioned above, the ground coffee is generally packed into the filter 61, which is then placed in the cavity of the filter holder 62. According to the first option, the mass of ground coffee may be measured before it is packed into the filter. Alternatively, according to the second option, the mass of ground coffee may be measured after it has been packed into the filter. Preferably, according to a third option, the mass of ground coffee may be measured after installation in a filter holder cavity (along with ground coffee packed therein).

  The first weighing device 40 is preferably configured to measure the mass of ground coffee according to a third option. This is to achieve the objective of maintaining the operations normally performed by the bartender as unchanged as possible. Thus, preferably, the first weighing device 40 measures the mass of the aggregate consisting of ground coffee, filter and filter holder.

The flow diagram of FIG. 5 shows, by way of example, several options for obtaining a ground coffee mass value. According to the first option, the mass of the empty filter, ie the filter without dust (step 111 ^′ a) and the mass of the filter holder without filter (step 111 ^′ b) are measured separately.

According to the second option, the total mass of the empty filter and filter holder is measured (step 111 "). According to the third option, the filter and filter holder assembly and their corresponding mass are (manually) , Visually or automatically) (step 111 ^{′ ″} ).

  Thereafter, the mass of the aggregate consisting of the filter, the filter holder and the powder (packed in the filter) is measured (step 112).

  The mass of ground coffee is obtained by subtracting the mass of the filter 61 and the filter holder 62 from the total mass (step 113).

  However, bartenders may use different shaped filters and / or filter holders manufactured by different manufacturers during the same day's work. Each filter and / or filter holder may have a different mass.

  The mass of several different filters and filter holders (or different filter and corresponding filter holder assemblies) can be measured by a bartender or supplied by the manufacturer. These values are preferably shown and stored in a table or list for selection by the bartender. In any case, the bartender must determine the exact tare weight in order to accurately obtain the mass of coffee grounds.

  As described above, some embodiments contemplate devices that identify each filter + filter holder assembly and associate it with a mass stored in memory. Identification of the assembly is performed by an optical reader that reads the printed, attached, or in any case imprinted or fixed symbol stamped on the filter holder (or on any part of the assembly) Good. The symbols may include one or more alphanumeric characters, bar codes, QR codes (or equivalent codes) or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) codes. FIG. 2 shows the recognition of a characteristic (eg mass) by a code reader.

  The first weighing device 40 may be incorporated in the machine 10 or provided outside. The first weighing device may comprise a digital load cell using a load cell that includes a dedicated analog converter.

  When incorporated in the machine, the first weighing device is arranged below the coffee pouring unit, for example on or near the grill part of the drip tray. Patent document 1 discloses a possible embodiment of a weighing device in an espresso coffee machine or the like. The weighing device can include a weighing platform disposed within the housing. The weighing platform is preferably accessible through an opening in the top plate of the housing.

  The second weighing device 50 is preferably disposed on or near the grill portion of the drip tray below the coffee pouring unit. As described above, Patent Document 1 discloses a possible embodiment of a weighing device in an espresso coffee machine or the like.

  The second weighing device 50 preferably operates as shown in the flowchart of FIG. First (in step 131), the mass of the cup (or other container) containing the extracted beverage is measured. If the second weighing device is configured to detect the mass of an object placed on the grill part of the drip tray, it is sufficient to place an empty cup on the grill part. Alternatively, the mass of the cup may be stored in machine memory so that the bartender selects that mass before starting to dispense the beverage.

  When the dispensing of the beverage starts, the second weighing device measures the mass of the cup while the cup is filled with the extracted beverage. Thereafter, the mass of the beverage extracted by subtracting the tare weight (the mass of the cup) from the above measured value (for example, by the CPU) can be calculated in real time (step 133 in FIG. 6).

  At this point, the machine according to the invention calculates the extraction ratio from the measured mass values of the extracted beverage and coffee powder and determines the relative ratio.

  The machine 10 according to the present invention may be configured to show the calculated extraction ratio value, preferably in real time. For example, a display that is specifically designed to display only the extraction ratio value may be provided, or the extraction ratio value may be displayed on a display that also displays other values or information.

  The beverage may be dispensed manually when the desired extraction ratio value is reached, and the dispensing stop may be performed automatically when the set extraction ratio is reached. Good.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, one or more extraction ratio values may be stored (MEM). This storage may be performed at the factory, or may be performed by the bartender by importing data from an external memory device as needed or by manually setting a desired value.

  Before starting to dispense the beverage, the bartender can select one of the stored extraction ratio values (SEL) and set a new extraction ratio in response to a special request from the customer can do. 1 and 2 show a machine 10 with three buttons 31a, 31b and 31c. The first button 31a can be pressed to select an extraction ratio of 33% (for long coffee pouring), and the second button 31b selects an extraction ratio of 50% (for normal coffee pouring). The third button 31c can be pressed to select an extraction ratio of 75% (for pouring wristlet (short) coffee). Each button may be a normal push button, keypad or touch screen. A bar with a scale may be provided instead of a fixed value button, and this bar has a scale from 0% to 100% and, for example, a cursor, so the bartender can change the cursor to set the desired extraction ratio. Can do.

  Beverage dispensing is then automatically stopped when the set / selected extraction ratio is reached (step 160 in FIG. 7).

  FIG. 1 shows buttons 31a, 31b and 31c for performing manual start and stop functions. Preferably, all of the buttons 31a, 31b and 31c (including those which indicate the extraction ratio values in any way) have start and stop functions associated with the programmed extraction ratio values, and these extraction ratio values. Can be changed.

  According to the invention, as mentioned above, preferably a processing unit (CPU) is provided, which processing unit is at least a first weighing device, a second weighing unit for starting and stopping the machine operation according to the procedure described above. It can be connected to weighing equipment, extraction ratio selection device and machine electronics.

  A first weighing device for measuring the mass of a quantity of ground coffee used to prepare espresso coffee; a second weighing apparatus for measuring the mass of extracted espresso coffee; the mass of said quantity of ground coffee All (or partly) the processing device for calculating the extraction ratio corresponding to the ratio of the extracted espresso coffee mass and the device (display etc.) for notifying the operator of the calculated extraction ratio are incorporated in the coffee machine. But you can. Instead, all of the devices described above may be incorporated into another machine.

Claims (14)

  A machine (10) for preparing and dispensing espresso coffee and the like, a first device (40, 20) for measuring the mass of a certain amount of ground coffee used to prepare espresso coffee, and extraction A second device (50) for measuring the mass of the espresso coffee, and a processing device for calculating an extraction ratio corresponding to the ratio of the mass of the ground coffee and the mass of the extracted espresso coffee ( CPU (10).   The machine (10) of claim 1, further comprising a device for notifying an operator of the calculated extraction ratio.   The machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second device (50) operates substantially continuously during the brewing of espresso coffee.   The machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a memory for storing one or more extraction ratio values.   The machine (10) of claim 4, further comprising a device (30) for selecting the one or more stored extraction ratio values.   A comparison device (CPU) that compares the current extraction ratio value with the stored extraction ratio value, and when the comparison device detects that the current extraction ratio value matches the selected stored extraction ratio value. The machine (10) according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a stop device (CPU, 31a, 31b, 31c) for stopping the dispensing of espresso coffee.   The machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first weighing device comprises a weighing device comprising a load cell.   The machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second weighing device (50) comprises a weighing device comprising a load cell.   The machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first device and the second device are a single device.   The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first device (40, 20) for measuring the mass of a quantity of ground coffee used comprises a code reader.   A method for preparing and dispensing espresso coffee, etc., comprising preparing a certain amount of ground coffee powder (100), measuring the mass of the coffee powder (110), and starting extraction of espresso coffee Selecting a desired extraction ratio value (120), measuring the mass of the beverage while espresso coffee is being extracted (130), and calculating a current extraction ratio value (140) And a method comprising:   12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of notifying an operator that a predetermined extraction ratio has been reached (150).   13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising the step (160) of stopping the extraction of the beverage when a predetermined extraction ratio is reached. The step of measuring the mass of the coffee powder (110) comprises the step of identifying the filter and filter holder assembly and its corresponding mass (111 ^{′ ″} ) by the first weighing device (40, 20), and then the filter 13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, comprising the step (112) of measuring the mass of a mass of coffee powder packed in the filter holder and filter.